The effects of physical activity in the acute treatment of bipolar disorder: A pilot study

Abstract

Background: Physical activity has demonstrated efficacy in depression and anxiety, but its potential in the management of bipolar disorder is yet unexplored. This study is a pilot investigation into the effectiveness of an adjunctive walking program in the acute treatment of bipolar disorder. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study of all patients admitted over a 24-month period to a private psychiatric unit with a primary diagnosis of bipolar disorder (ICD-10). All patients were invited to participate voluntarily in a walking group during their admissions. Those who reliably attended the walking group (participants) were compared against those who did not attend (non-participants), us..